LDE AFRICA 2, 3 FEB 2018

Platinum Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Gala Sponsor

Silver SponsorCoffee Sponsor

Lunch SponsorDelegate Lanyard

Silver SponsorBag & Folder

Gold Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor

Panel Sponsor

App Sponsor

Letter

Minister's Letter

Dear Lebanese,
Dear Descendants,

The path that we have started four years ago to connect the Lebanese Diaspora among them
and with Lebanon in a synergy of mutual interests and benefits, opens a new chapter of
success and sustainability.
LDE is embarking on its goodwill journey of the sixth Regional Conference worldwide and
the second for Africa due to our joint efforts; and every time I become more confident that
these renewable energies, enrooted in the world, are the powerful engines of the strength of
Lebanon.
You, in Africa, have made the difference with urbanization and infrastructure development.
Every field witnessed your abilities, this is why you are invited to participate and attend this
Conference so we can listen to your suggestions and your concerns about the economy,
notably the banking sectors, infrastructure and communications, technology, trade and
services, culture and education with the aim of reaffirming together the endless possibilities
of investments that can be tapped for our national benefit.
Today more than ever, we are expecting your wide participation to connect, seize the
opportunities, create a clear set of goals and deliver the strong message that:
« We stand here by your side, because together we are able to accomplish the impossible. We
praise you for the decades of hard work and we are so proud of you and your achievements. »

Program

Event's Program

10:00 – 12:00 Registration and Morning Coffee

12:30– 13:45 Official Opening Ceremony

14:00 - 15:30 Lunch

10:00 – 11:30 PANEL 1: West Africa- Land of Ongoing Opportunities

West Africa is developing its trading system and is the EU's largest trading partner in Sub-
Saharan Africa, as a result of the implementation of the economic partnership agreement EPA
agreement with the EU. In the light of the development resulting from the application of this
trading system the Lebanese Diaspora in West Africa is invited to explore the trading
possibilities with Lebanon and propose agreements and the enactment of internal national
laws to promote the trading and exchange of goods between Lebanon and the West African
countries.

This panel will address the measures adopted by the banks who offer services to the Lebanese
diaspora. Diaspora financing is an under-exploited resource. The challenges are in measures
to be adopted in order to enhance the investment climate between Lebanon and African
countries. This panel will promote legal instruments and laws protecting investors as well as
the taxes on transactions. This shall contribute into a synergy of investments, a better flow of
direct investments and funding which contributes to the mutual benefits of all stakeholders.
Here comes to play the role of the chambers of commerce, IDAL, the ministries at stake, the BDL
and banks etc. in facilitating and protecting the foreign investments through legal instruments
and laws.

A great opportunity for the Lebanese diaspora in North Africa is the fact that they live closer to
Lebanon in cities that hold ties with Lebanon ever since the dawn of civilization. Promoting the
cultural ties between Lebanon and the North African countries is essential to preserve the
existing brotherly relations and lead ultimately to stronger collaboration in various aspects of
mutual benefits such as trade, business, tourism and share of expertize. This panel will discuss
the challenges of investing and the most prominent sectors for investment in Lebanon and in
North Africa.

10:45 – 12:00 Panel 2: East and South Africa- Building the Bridge

The Lebanese people residing in West and North Africa outnumber their fellows in South and
East Africa. This panel addresses the incentives that can bring more Lebanese into south and
East Africa to mirror the resonating success in the other sides of the continent.
South Africa among the other South African nations has proven to be a first regional power
where investors from all around the world have started to keep a close eye on. Investors are
finding great opportunities to fund a wide range of start-ups, such as businesses specializing in
healthcare, crafts and communications technology. There has also been a movement to invest in
“green” businesses, like renewable energy and sustainable technologies.
While East Africa countries are witnessing a growth in development and undergoing an
economic revolution based on various resources and discovered riches that are still unexploited.

12:00 – 13:00 Panel 3: Lebanity- “Mode de Vie, a Lifestyle”

This panel will address the following issues:

The importance of Lebanese nationality.

Branding Lebanon in culture, fashion and art.

Education and role of Lebanese schools in preserving the Arabic language.

Role of clubs and diaspora associations in keeping the ties between Lebanese Diaspora generations and their home country Lebanon.